DEPAR TMENT OF SOCIOLOGY AND ANTHROPOLOGY

This study investigated the prevalence, types, and impact of anxiety on academic performance and wellbeing among undergraduate students at the University of Benin, Ugbowo Campus, Benin City, Nigeria. Anxiety, characterized by excessive worry, fear, physiological arousal, and cognitive interference, has become a pervasive mental health challenge among university students globally and in Nigeria, exacerbated by academic pressures, economic hardships, infrastructural deficits, erratic academic calendars, and socio-cultural factors. The study was guided by four specific objectives: (1) to determine the prevalence of anxiety and its relationship with academic performance; (2) to identify the prevalent types of anxiety; (3) to examine the relationship between anxiety and Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA); and (4) to explore the effects of anxiety on students’ overall wellbeing. It adopted an ethnographic research design with survey elements, underpinned by Power-Control Theory and Cognitive Interference Theory. A sample of 120 full-time undergraduate students was selected through multi-stage sampling techniques (random selection of faculties and departments, followed by stratified sampling by level of study and gender). Data were collected using a semi-structured questionnaire administered face-to-face and analyzed with descriptive statistics (frequencies, percentages, means, and tables) using SPSS. The findings revealed a high and escalating prevalence of anxiety among undergraduates, with levels significantly higher than at entry into the university. Test/examination anxiety was the most dominant type, followed by general worry, career/future anxiety, and financial worries. Anxiety was perceived to substantially impair concentration, study habits, class attendance, and CGPA, although moderate anxiety was noted by some as potentially facilitative. On wellbeing, anxiety was associated with poor sleep, physical symptoms, emotional exhaustion, social withdrawal, and strained relationships. Students predominantly relied on informal coping strategies such as prayer and peer support, with low awareness and utilization of formal university mental health services. The study concludes that anxiety constitutes a significant barrier to academic success and holistic student development at the University of Benin. It recommends the strengthening of institutional counselling services, integration of mental health education into academic programs, policy reforms to reduce academic stress, and broader governmental support for student mental health. These interventions are essential for improving academic performance, retention, and the overall quality of higher education in Nigeria. Keywords: Anxiety, academic performance, CGPA, undergraduate students, University of Benin, mental health, wellbeing, test anxiety.

This project work looks into how higher education promotes social mobility and reduces inequality by equipping individuals with skills, knowledge, and social capital for economic and social advancement. However, this potential is limited by systemic barriers like financial constraints, geographic disparities, and the digital divide, which disproportionately affect disadvantaged groups. Overcoming these obstacles through equitable access and supportive policies is essential to ensuring higher education functions as a true pathway to upward mobility and a more just society.

This study explores the evolving landscape of youth culture within the University of Benin environment, with particular attention to the rise of counterculture and contraculture among young people. Employing a quantitative research approach, data were collected through structured questionnaires distributed to 380 students at the University of Benin, Ugbowo Campus. The research examines how youths express their identities through fashion, language, music, digital media, and political engagement, and how these expressions often challenge or reject mainstream cultural norms. The university environment serves as a key space where young people interact, share ideas, question norms, and foster the emergence of new forms of cultural expression. Youths adopt or resist certain cultural practices based on social influences, dissatisfaction, and institutional pressures.The study reveals that youth identity is vibrant and multifaceted, shaped by global influences, digital media, societal expectations, and institutional contexts. While youth culture provides a platform for creativity and self-definition, the emergence of countercultural and contracultural behaviours often reflects a deeper sense of dissatisfaction with prevailing social norms and societal values.

This study examined the role of older adults in family stability in Egor Local Government Area, Edo State, Nigeria. A descriptive survey design was adopted, and a total of 520 questionnaires were administered to older adults across Egor LGA. In addition, an In-Depth Interview (IDI) guide was used to collect qualitative data from selected stakeholders to complement the survey findings. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics (frequencies, percentages, and mean scores), while qualitative responses were thematically analyzed. The findings revealed that older adults play crucial roles in family stability, with overall mean score of 3.74 out of 5.0 max for 5 likert scale (representing 74.8%) confirms that older adults play positive and multifaceted roles in sustaining family stability; and inferentially X 2=608.5 (p<0.05) reveals that older adults have significant role in family stability. Secondly, there was a positive and significant impact of the economic status of older adults have on family stability (overall mean = 3.78 (75.6%); X 2 = 538.9, P <0.05). Thirdly, there was also a positive and significant effect of support networks of older adults on family stability (overall mean = 3.50 (70%); X 2 = 450.1 (P<0.05). Lastly, the health status of older adults has no positive and significant impact on family stability (Overall mean = 3.31 (66.2%), X 2 = 329.3, P<0.05). these results were complemented by IDI responses. The study recommended targeted policies and interventions by government, families, social workers, and community organizations to support older adults’ economic empowerment, health, and social integration

This project work looks into how higher education promotes social mobility and reduces inequality by equipping individuals with skills, knowledge, and social capital for economic and social advancement. However, this potential is limited by systemic barriers like financial constraints, geographic disparities, and the digital divide, which disproportionately affect disadvantaged groups. Overcoming these obstacles through equitable access and supportive policies is essential to ensuring higher education functions as a true pathway to upward mobility and a more just society.

This study investigates the effect of examination stress on students of the University of Benin, with particular focus on its causes, manifestations, and influence on academic performance and general well-being. The research aims to identify the major sources of examination-related stress, assess its impact on students’ academic outcomes, and examine the coping strategies employed by students in managing such stress. The study adopted a descriptive survey design. Data were collected through the use of a structured questionnaire administered to a representative sample of students in the Department of Sociology, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Benin. The data obtained were analyzed using simple percentages and frequency distributions for clarity and easy interpretation. Findings revealed that factors such as inadequate preparation, fear of failure, pressure to achieve high grades, and poor time management significantly contribute to students’ stress during examinations. The study further discovered that examination stress leads to anxiety, emotional instability, poor concentration, and a decline in academic performance among students. Based on these findings, the study recommends that the university management should organize regular counseling sessions and stress management seminars to assist students in handling examination-related pressure. Lecturers are also encouraged to create supportive learning environments, while students should adopt effective study habits and time management skills. In conclusion, the study affirms that examination stress, though an inevitable part of academic life, can be effectively managed through institutional support, personal discipline, and proper preparation, thereby improving students’ academic performance and overall well-being

This study examined the link between social isolation and deviant behaviour among undergraduate students at the University of Benin (UNIBEN). The primary goal was to empirically understand if feelings of loneliness and social disconnection directly led students to engage in harmful, rule-breaking acts, thereby validating existing psychosocial theories in a Nigerian university context. A descriptive survey design was employed, and a structured questionnaire was administered to 148 students who provided valid responses. The results revealed that social isolation was a pervasive issue, showing that the majority of students (81%) felt moderately to highly isolated from the campus community and their peers. The most common form of self-reported deviant behaviour was skipping classes (truancy), reported by 49% of the respondents, followed by general rule-breaking. Crucially, the study found a strong, positive, and statistically significant relationship between the two variables (r = 0.612, p < 0.001), indicating that the more isolated a student felt, the more likely they were to engage in deviant acts. Isolation was confirmed as a major predictive factor for truancy, breaking rules, and substance use. The study recommends that the university should immediately implement structural and social interventions, including creating better welcome programs for new students, starting a mandatory peer mentorship system, improving accessible counselling services, and organizing more frequent social events to help students achieve adequate social integration.

The study was carried out to investigate Human trafficking in Nigeria: A study of Ovia North East L.G.A in Edo State. It used Ovia North East as the Area of study. The study used a sample of 20 respondents and five objectives. The study's findings underscore the critical role poverty plays in facilitating human trafficking in Ovia North East Local Government, Edo State. Poverty creates a vulnerable population that traffickers exploit, perpetuating a cycle of exploitation and poverty. The underdevelopment of Benin City, Nigeria, and Africa at large, drives migration through illegal routes, aligning with the push-and-pull theory. This highlights the need for sustainable development and economic opportunities to reduce the allure of illegal migration. Notably, NGOs and NAPTIP are actively engaged in rehabilitating returnees, providing psychological and economic support. However, the study reveals a concerning trend: some returnees, despite rehabilitation, choose to reengage in trafficking. This underscores the complexity of the issue and the need for comprehensive, long-term solutions. The study recommends the Implementation of policies to reduce poverty and unemployment, particularly among young people, to reduce their vulnerability to trafficking, the strengthening of law enforcement to enhance law enforcement capabilities to combat trafficking, including training for officials and increased resources for investigations and prosecutions and provision of support services that will establish and fund support services for victims of trafficking, including counseling, healthcare, and economic empowerment programs.

This study investigates the public perception of the Nigerian police force in Egor LocalGovernment Area of Edo State. Guided by the system theory, it explores how residentsassess the performance, behavior and relationship of the police with the community. Using adescriptive survey design, data were collected from 100 randomly selected respondents fromthe age range of 18 years to 46 years and above through structured questionnaire andanalyzed using simple percentages and frequency tables. Findings shows that while the police force holds a vital role in the maintenance order, public-perception remains largely negative due to corruption, bribery, poor response to distresscalls and police brutality. Respondents also identified inadequate training and lowmotivation as factors affecting police effectiveness. This study concluded that bridging thegap between police force and the community requires improved welfare, accountability andenhanced community policing initiatives to restore trust and credibility in the NigerianPolice Force

Drug abuse is a serious problem among university students. Many young people use drugs like marijuana and methamphetamine because of peer pressure, stress, or the desire to feel good. This study looks at how people view drug abuse among students at the University of Benin, Nigeria. It explores the types of drugs students’ use, why they use them, and how society reacts to the issue. The research was done through surveys and interviews with students and university staff. The results show that drug abuse is common, and many students use drugs to cope with school pressure or to fit in with friends. However, many people misunderstand the issue, and the stigma around drug use makes it harder for students to seek help. The study suggests that universities should provide more drug education programs, better counseling services, and focus on helping students recover rather than punishing them. This research will help create better ways to prevent and reduce drug abuse among students